Two students were struck by vehicles while crossing Church Street last week, according to an all-campus email sent from Director of Public Safety Scott Rohde and Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Whaley.
“[The incidents occurred] in two separate instances last week,” the email reads. “Both accidents occurred on Church Street between High and Pine Streets.”
The students involved in these accidents required medical attention. Both have been released and are back on campus; only minor injuries occurred.
Whaley expressed his relief that both of the students had only minor injuries.
“Scott Rohde and I thought it was important to let students know about these accidents so that everyone can exercise appropriate caution, especially since it is getting dark earlier in the evening,” Whaley wrote in an email to The Argus. “As one student pointed out to me, pedestrians have the right of way within crosswalks but everyone should still make certain that the car traveling down the street intends to stop.”
The email further reminded students to exercise extra caution now that the sun sets earlier in the day.
“Given that daylight savings time ended on November 1st and it is getting dark earlier in the evening when many are commuting home at the end of their work day, we ask you to exercise an abundance of caution as you cross the many busy streets that run through our campus,” the email reads. “This is especially necessary if you are on your phone and/or wearing ear buds.”
The email further addressed the importance of using the crosswalks available on all streets.
The University is currently asking for any suggestions for improving student safety on campus.